AUCKLAND COLLEGE AND GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10008, 20 December 1895, Page 6

AUCKLAND COLLEGE AND GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. The annual gathoriug in connection with the Auckland College and Grammar School for the reception of the annual report of the headmaster, aud the presentation of prizes awarded as the result of recent examinations, was held lastevening, at the Choral Hall. The pupils of the school occupied the tiers of the galleries in front, tho girls to the loft, and the boys to the right, and they occupied all tho space, leaving for the dons aud the visitors the small space in front. This was made as attrattive as possible with foliage and pot plants, and there was alargeconcourseuf members of the Board of Governors and others, including, of course, the teachers in their academic robes, representative of the Universities ot Oxford, Sydney, and New Zealand. On the stage were Professors Brown (who presided) and Thomas, Mr. R. Udy (chairman of the Board of Education), and Mr 0. Mays (representing the Grammar School Board), and the teaching stall of the Grammar School. The hall was well tilled, and the proceedings throughout excited a good deal of interest. There was an excellent string orchestra of boys and girls, which gave some capital musical selections under the baton of Mr. Trevithick, and they prefacod the proceedings by a musical interlude. Professor Brown, in formally opening tho proceedings, said the chairman of the Board of Governors (Sir M. O'Rorke) was on a visit to Ireland, and the vice-chairman of the Board (Colonel Haultain) was indisposed. Then in a brief and racy speech lie introduced the business of the evening. ANNUAL KEPORT. Mr. J. W. Turns, M.A., head-master of the Grammar School, read his annual report. It was of great interest, and tho applause awarded when reference was made to the success of the girls' side of the school from the audience and the boys' gallery, showed that although there might bo rivalry there •vas no jealousy. The reference to Mr. Drummond's successes and to the successes of New Zealand boys in the tripos of Oxford and Cambridge were received with the utmost enthusiasm. The report was as follows Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Board of Governor*,—l have the honour to lay before you my estimate of the progress made by the school during the year which is now closing. In my la.it report, 1 referred to our great successes in outside examinations as a test of the good work done during tho year; and I expressed a hope that the examinations then proceeding would pro to that we wiTd still niaiuuinins the high standard we had reached. My hopes were more than realised. In the examination for senior district scholarships under the Hoard of I'.ducation all the six scholarships (ell to pupils of this school. At the head of the list stood F. P. Hartley who had eiiteied the school as a scholar under the Itawlings Foundation, lie was closely followed by four girls, Mis-e-s Mcintosh, PicMnere, Kobertsnn, and Wallace; the sixth scholarship was w.n by M. Walker, the boys'side. A very keen rivalry exists between the boys' and girls' sides of the school in the competition for scholarships and other prizes; and last year the girls more than held their own; fjr while they gained four out of the six District Scholarships, three of their number were placed in the list of Junior University scholars, and only one boy found a place there. For the University scholarships we sent up fourteen candidates; of those three g lined scholarships, viz.. Miss A. McPherson, B. W. Allen, and Miss 0 Smith. A fourth, Miss A. M. Oinueen actually gained a scholarship but resigned it, preferring to spend another year at tlx school in order that she may compete it a greater advantage, as we hope, for those honours which are open to the University student- The school lias lor three years put gained only one of these scholarships in each year, and only mice before have we secured three at one examination, viz, in 1890; but on no previous occasion has this, or so far as I can learn, Iks any other school w.m the distinction of having all its 14 candidates in the list ~f those who passed " with credit." I think, therefore, that we may claim to have " made a record" in this examination.

The names of those who passed with credit, besides the scholars, are: Grant, 17th; Mm Bowler, ltftli; Batnford, 'Mli; Stewart, 21st; Whitelaw, 'iird; Dromgool, Hind; Wylie, ;i4th; Miss Hubertsoil, 30th; Miss Wright, 4;lrd ; and Mis. Dudley. 44t11. Thus, out of 44 candidates from the whole colony who g ined distinction '.4, or nearly onethird, were from this school. Miss Smith was tirst in mathematics, Miss Dinueon second in French, and Grant third in Latin.

Another point to In, notice in this result, and one which greatly enhances the credit, is the fact tint- out of the 11 who were not entitled to procoed to the I'niversity as holders of .scholarships, 1J were young enough to compete again: ami when wo reassembled last .January our prospects for the voir looked very encouiating. Hut unhappily another class list was still to lie published, that of the Junior Civil Service examination, which is held in January. The Gazette at the end of February brought us tho news that the following places sufficiently liiuh to pr muse c-adetsliips in the Civil Service during the year had been won by our boys and cirls. Meredith :ird, Grant and Miss Wright equal at Uh, Miss Robertson 11th, Wylie 1:1 th. It happened, as wo feared, one by one these were drafted from our sixth form to van jus branches of the Civil Service.

Of tlie veterans of hsl yeir four are s'.ill left to in ; iiinl tli-y will, -i.s we fully expect of them, give a good account of themselves in the yearly contest with the great s 'hooli uf tilt; Smith. One of tiiem, .1. (' llr»nit;tKii, Ins already made his mirk l«y winning the (Jill if Scholarship at I'mverdty College for mathematics ami science. 1 do not intend to oritici.se the wisdom of those who hut a fairly cert expectation of enjoying the privileges of University education free of cost, ami ret gave up those expectations for a clerkship t under Government. The spirit of restlessness under scholastic anil pirental control, so char ict-oristic of tin) colonial li'iy anil |{irl, hid some influence in their choice, I doubt not: tho laudable desire to support I heinselves probably hail 111 ire; but to sora-> I know that the question as to what possibilities aro opened up liy a successful university career presented such uncertainty that th--v would not face it. A school report is scarcely a titling t-imi on which to discuss this onestion ; hut I should like to set one fact, by way ol oiicoiiragrnmtit, lief' re those of our hoys mid girls who have reached tint stage In life fiom which they are beginning to wonder (low far their ediicuion will help them to earn a livelihood. Since the founding of tliei' Associition, I have seen much in ire of old Ci ramie ir School hoys than I saw lief ire, and I ml that there is growing up among lis a {"Duration of men who hare passed through the highest forms of this school, and who are go:in: to I).,promi'ienl a ■ oii< the citizens o' tin futuie, whrihtr in th« learned profession!, in business, m in skillo.l handicrafts; because they did not Com* hero (or a year, pow'hly (or two, to " finish," as pip-nts will describe the proreis of pulling a veiy thin veneer on the education received elsewhere, but because they came to stay patiently f>r a lew vers, to work out our school course, and then, having begun to feel thep iwer that education gives, tlioy were ready to take advantage of those greater opportunities ottered by higher i lit i--us. such as our own University College. I commend this fact to the notice of parents who are hesitating to make a liitle sacrifice to enable their boy or |-i' I to sivnd his last year in our duller form; and I wish to draw attention to tile present lilh-ral arrangements fo- senior foundation scholarships, by which any pupil whose education is not already provided for may, with a little industry, secure free education for tiie last year or two of Ids cout.-o here.

I hive dwelt at soma length on our successes in the public examin ili his, in i r ler to show that tin school amply justifies its title of the Auckland College and Grammar School, offering as it d 'es to the hays and girls of this provincial district, an education which is quite equal to the best to be obtained at tile other great secon lary schools of the colony; and, further, that it fulfils its obligalions t:ithe B<>aul of Education and to the Itiwlinns trustees, whose scholarships are ton ilil - lu-re. I may say of the Handings scholars, thai these boys have been eminently successful. Three of the,a have taken university scholarships from the school, namely, J. and P. Diiiiiiinonil, and 11. AMcCullotigh; and most of them have gained some distinction during tile tenure of their scholarships. Of those now with us, Ihe success of Hartley, in the last Senior District Scholarship, and the high places taken by Sinclaire, Wilson, and Miilgm, in the Upper Fourth Form, and by Majkiu and orris, in the Third Form, show work of very nie.it promise, and corroborate the opinion that I expressed on a former occasion, that those who enter the school early in their career, and enjoy the careful training of our 1.-west forms, have a j-reat advantage over those who come later. The Itawlilia's scholar must be under the agent twelve, and the work prescribed for the examination is that of th« fourth standard.

Tim list p.iiius of tho school list, which is published to-night, aro occupied by an account of the successes during tho year; and Brat among these, we place the honours gained at the Universities hy olu pupils, information about whom is necessarily very incomplete. But it is needless to say that we value even this in omplete record as a link in tho chain tint binds past and present together. The list of honours named by Old Hoys, in ISU.i, is one that will stand out conspicuously in the annals of lift school. At Cambridge, It. C. M iclaurin was 12tli wrangler in the mathematical tripos; B. N. Tebbs stood 2nd in the first-class in the natural science tripos; and W. S. la Trohe stood Ist in the firs -diss in the int'jr-oollo;iate examination of all the men of his year who were reading for honours in the mechanical tripes. I suppose tint no school in the Australasian colonies It is hail a better record in any single year at Oxford or Cambridge ; and it is an occasion on which Auckland may justly be proud of its Grammar School and University College ; for it was here that those young men received that accurate training and acquired those habits of industry which have enabled thorn to prove themselves a match for the best students of the old country. At ICdinhnrgli, too, old Grammar .School b.ys have occupied prominent places in rile class lists .if the medical school. 11. .Myers and W. J. Barclay gained medals, and F. l'urchas and 1,, Kingston! passed their examinations with distinction, and at Hirton College, Cambridge. Miss A. Whitelaw continues to do well in the mi.themathic-il examinations. Wo have, toj, during this week, received an unexpected testimony to the high standard of education attaino 1 on our girls' side, in the fact that .Miss A. 1.. Stewart, who left our Upper Fourth l-'oriu dnrlng the early part of this year to continue lior studies in Uugland, was placed in the highest form at her entrance into Cheltenham Girls' College, a school with a thousand pupils, and one of the best in Knglaud. Tho old boys have this year, through theii Association, shown an interest in tin; work of the school by offering a valuable prize of books for an essay on some subject connected with the history of New Zealand, Tlio prize was won by A. 1). Bamford, oil the reconhneniiition of the examiner, Dr. Giles. We have had during the year sov-ral visits fro old boys anxious to refresh their memories of the school; and 1 should incur tin displeasure of the school athletes I am sure, if I failed to make i politic acknowledgment ot the obligation our footballers are under to the assiduous care with which they have been trained by Mr. Carlton Hay. It will lis matter of special iut-ic.it to old boys to note the revival of the school cadet corps under its former commanding officer, Captain Sloman The company consists of GO cadets armed with carbines, anil 15 well drilled recruits ready to fill the places of those who are leaving. li is expected tint before the end of February the corps will have its uniform. A careful p-rusal of the marks assigned to the various forms will show not only tint tli-t standard of excellence is in very many cases unusually huh, but that Vlie competition toe prizes tuu bcoa very

close. And here it would lie well for me to explain that our prizes lire not mere rewards of diligent and successful work; for, if they wore, it would often be very difficult to know where to stop Riving prizes ; but that they are the crown reserved for the one, two, or, in very exceptional Cases, the three winners in the hard fought fight for imstery. So that failure to secure a prize does not necessari y indicate want of ability or of diligence. J wi-li to add a word on the subject of reports about which I find there exists a great deal of misunderstanding: A Grammar School report is not a page of patronising platitudes put togethor to please parontal pride; but is rather a confidential letter, not to the pupil, as some strangely imagine, but to the parent, who has entrusted to the master Hie education of his child, and who therefore expects that Ilia trustee shall render, from time to time, a true and faithful account of his charge. If parents will tike this view of reports, ami accept my assurance that peat euro is exercised in the riming of them, their value in the education of their children will be very greatly increased. In conclusion I wish to report that the conduct and tone of the pupils has been very satisfactory throughout the year. I wish further to acknowledge the hearty co operation I have received from my colleagues in regular school work, and in the many matters subsidiary to regular work ; to express the hope that Mr. Watkins, who has been incapacitated for work this term owing to illness, may bo sufficiently restored to resumo his duties with the new year; and to th ink Mr. Sulzberger and Mr. Major for having carried on his work so carefully during his absence. At this stage Professor Brown, chairman of the meeting, announced that he hud received a telegram from the Primate of Now Zealand, and from the Rev. W.J. Williams, regretting their inability to be present this evening. PRESENTATION OF i'RIZI'.B. Oil the invitation of the Chairman, Mrs. Holland, wife of the Mayor of Auckland, then proceeded to deliver the prizes, Mr. Tibbs reading out the awards. The prizes consisted principally of valuable books and certificates costing £40, and with the other awards, cups, medals, trophies, etc., the amount distributed in prizes could not bo less than £100. It was as follows SPECIAL PHIZES. English Essays. — Boys : Pond's prize, 11. I). Bamford; special prize, A. H. Mtilgan; Did Boys' Association prize, 11. D. Bainford. Girls: .Mr. Bourne's prize, A. M. D. Diimeeu; special prize, K. M B. Lynch. German.—C. Stewart. Drawing, Mechanical.—Bays : 1, C. Xrevithick ; 2, P. S. Ardern ; 3, C. V. Roberts. Drawing.-Girls, over 15: Shading, L. G. A. Baker; certificate, L. Cameron; outline, L. Pegler. Thirteen to 16 : Shading, S. M. Porter; outline, E. Tooiiin.ii. Under IS: Outline, 1, 11. M. Wiseman ; 2, M. 11. P. Aickln ; certificate, A. J. Ilislett. Writing.—Boys, over 15 : A. J. shepherd. Thirteen to 15: A. Gray. Under 13 : W. Endean. Girls: Over 15: It. Poland. Thirteen to 15; M. liimlle. BUYS' UPPER SCHOOL. Sixth Form.—Prizes: I, 11. D. Ram ford ; 2, E. B. R. Pridoaur. Certificates: C. St««r«t, 11. D. Bamford, E. I!. R. Prideaux. Fifth Form.—Prizes: 1, M. Walker; 2, F. P. Hartley. Certificate* : M. Walker, F. P. Bartley. Upper Fourth Form.—Prizes; 1, W. K. B. Prideaux; 2, F. xinclairo; 3, I). M. Vickermaii. Certificates: K. Sinelaire, W. It, B. Prideaux. Remove Form.—: 1, C. V. Roberts; 2,11. K. Metcalfe. Certificates : IL It. Metcalfe, C. V. Roberts, P. H. Moses. Lower Fourth Form.—Prize: F. A. ll.in Certificates: F. A. Ilana.il, F. W. Bimfnrd and G. A. Ilbert equal, F. V. F. Biker bookkeeping. special Form.—Prizes : 1, P. S. Ardern ; 2,1,. V. Halliwell; 3, R. McSporrau. Certificate : P. 3. AMern. Third Form.-Prizes : 1, R. A. Macdonald; 2, A. L. Mackiu and It. P. Norri.s (equal). Certificates ; It. A. Macdonald, A. 1.. Mackie. Second Form.-Prize: W. P. Kndean. Certificate ; V.'. P. Kndean. MATHEMATICS AMI SCIENCE. Sixth Form-Prizos: 1. 11. I). bamford; 2, C. Stewart. Fifth Form.—: 1, F. P. Bartley; 2, F. P. Burgess. Upper Fourth Form.— J. J. Wilson; 2, W, R. B. Prideaux. Remove Form.— C. V. Roberts; 2, J, W. Prater. Lower Fourth Form.— F. N. Biamford; 2, 11. S..Morran. Special Form.—l, P. S. AMern; 2, LV. BelliwelL ARITHMETIC. Third Form.—A. L. Mackie. Certificate, W. liellaby. Second Form.—W. P. Endean. Certificate, 11. S. Hall. GIRLS' UPPER SCHOOL Sixth Form.—Prizes: 1, A M. I). Dinnoen ; 2, M. A. K. Eyre. Certificates: A. M. D. Dinueoi), M. A. E. Eyre. Fifth Form. -Prizes: 1, M. Mcintosh ;2.F. J. Patterson C«rtittc -tos: K. M. .Mcintosh, F. J. Patterson, K. I!. A. Wallace.

Upper Fourth Form.—Prizes: I.M.K Davison; 2, C !•', Hull. Certificates: M. K. Davison, 0. F. Hull. .•special Form.—Prizes: 1, A. M. Xortlicroft; 2, K. Tooman ; 3, 11. M. Northcroft. Certificates ; A. M. Northcroft anil LI. M. Northcroft (equal), E. Tooinan. Modern Spucial Form.—H. M. Hutchinson. Lower Fourth Form.—Prize: 0. E. Moore. Cartitioa'es: I!. K. Nolan, 0. li. Moore, Third Foi tu. —Prize: A. J. lia.slett. Certificate : A. J. ilaslett. Modem Third.—Prize: M. A. rater. Second Form.-Prize: T.Tibbs. Certificates: V. Tilths, 0. J. 11. Riss. First Form.—Prize: E. (i. ilinan. Certificates E. li. Llaiian, (I. B Horrie. MATHKMATI AM) SCIKXCK. Sixth Form.—l, A. M. 1). Dinneeu ;2, M. L. Wilson. Fifth Form. 1, If. E. A. Wallace; 2, F. J. Pittenon. l'pp-r Fourth Form.-l, M. K. Davison; 2, E. Botifird. Division II.: Certificate, E. F. YouatU l. iwer Fourth Firm. -1, 11. K. Nolan. Special Form.—l, E. To unan ;S. M. L. Buttle. ARITHMETIC. Tiiird Form.—l, M. A. Friter; 2, li. S. Nelson. .Second Form. —1, J. I. Kronfelil. First Form.—M. F. Cuthbertson. The Chairman then invited Captain Duder, President of the Old Boys' Association, to present the prizes awarded by their Association. Captain Under was ono of the foundation scholars of the Grammar School when it opened in Howe-street, and Mr. H. A. Reusing, the vice-preiident, who joined the school when it was opened in the Albert Barracks tit'der Mr. Mcßae and several others, represented the old boys. In presenting he first prize for the best essay ou the History of New Zealand to Master Bainford, Captain Under said dint they had all read his essay, and greatly appreciated it. lie wished, oil behalf of the old boys to congratulate him on his essay, and on the success lie had achieved that night, and lie assured him they would heartily welcome him into the ranks of the Old Boys' Association. (Cheers.) Captain Duder then presented the challenge cup to Mr. IT K. Hesteth, the winner of the quarter-mile race, and in doing so ho said that it was Mr. Hesketli'a to keep for a year. He thought chat, next to a good head, a really good pair of legs was best, for the bead could steer the legs, and the legs could carry the head, and both combined would, he hoped, be used for the purpose of doing good. He also presented to Muster Heaketh the medal lie had won. He would warmly welcome Master Hesketh when he joined the old boys, and he trusted the students as they left would join the association so that they might be able to do something for the good of the school. Further presentations were mado as follows Rackets given by the governors for competition in lawn tenuis: Renior, Miss li. li. Myers; juniors, Miss li. Whitelaw. Senior school medal, Miss S. M Rice; junior, Miss A. E. Gittos. The governors' watches, won in athletic sports: Senior, H. R. Hesketh; junior, G. J. Lennox. School Cup: senior, 8. Upton; junior, A. R. Benjamin. Medal, old boys' bicyclo race: P. T. Upton. The CtIAiRMAV announced that Canon Nelson, who was to have addressed the meeting on behalf of the Governor, found that he could not be present, so that nothing remained for him to do but to wish on behalf of the Board and of himself that they would enjoy their holidays. The orchestra played a final selection, and the meeting terminated.

ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE, TAMAIiI. The annual brealtingup ceremony in connection with St. John's College, Tainaki, was held yesterday afternoon. There was a large attendance of the parents and friends of the pupils. In the unavoidable absence of the Right Rev. the Prima;?, the Yen. Archdeacon Dudley presided. The Rov. I'. Smallfield read the report of the principal for the past year, which showed that there were about 81} boys in attendance, of whom 34 were boarders. Since last year ten boys had passed the public examinations of the College, four boys passed the December matriculation examination, and «ight passed the Junior Civil Service examination of last January. Claude Abbott passed the Seuior Civil Service examination with distinction, being third on the list for the whole colony, and the only Auckland candidate who gained distinction. During this month four boys have gone up for the matriculation examination, ami two for the University Junior scholarship examination. Next tnontn IS present themselves for the Junior} Civil Service examination, and four for the Civil Service examination. With regard to the school examinations the result of the year's work was satisfactory. Reference is made in the report to the earnest labours of the staff nd the ohanges during the year. To Mr. Barber was duo the excellent state of the cadet corps. The Ven. Arcudeacox Dddlf.v then addressed the meeting. He said that all present would regret the absence of the Primate, who had always takon a great interest in the school. The Governors of St. John's College had been hitherto prevented by the many difficulties which stood in their way from doing what he was sure they all individually wished to do, viz., to givo the school the assistance and support it deserved. It had aladdened tho heart of the aged Mrs. Sehvyn to hear of the good work the school was doing in the place where Bishop Selwyn had laboured half a century ago. When he (the Archdeacon) looked around him and thought of Bishop Selwyn's dreams for tho future of St. John's College, he felt that those anticipations ol the good Bishop might yet be realised. The Archdeacon concluded his address with a few kindly words of encouragement to the boys, and proceeded to distribute tho priws.

PRIZE LIST._ The following is the prize list Upper Fifth: Divinity, Roy Way; mathematics. Short; French and drawing, Murray ; prize gained at chess tournament, Graham. Lower Fifth Ist general proficiency and mathematics, It, TUornes; 2nd general proficiency, Court; divinity, Herrold ; violin playing, special, prize presented by Mr. Trevithick, Herrold ; drawing, R. Thornes; drawinc. special prize, presented by Mr. R. Leslie Hunt, 11. G. Skeet; arithmetic, C. Crowther; special prize presented by Mr Barber for map drawing, Norman Taylor; Latin, special prize, David Makgill. Fourth Form: Ist. general proficiency, Richard Abbott; 2nd, general" proficiency, Hamia; divinity, Richard Abbott; drawing, Richard Abbott; Latin, Randolph Abbott; divinity, special prize, Arthur Makgill; special prize presented by Mr. Barber for map drawing, Richard Abbott. Third Form: Ist, general proficiency, Hums; 2nd, general proficiency, Palmer; drawing, Palmer; divinity, Hitchcock ; arithmetic, Cheeseman. The prizes won at the recent athletic sports were presented by Mr Graham Bruce, B.A. The Victor Ludorutr. was Mr. R. Airey. The school choir, under the leadership of Mr. R. Leslie Hunt, sang some school songs very creditably at intervals during the proceedings. An adjournment was then made to the garden, where afternoon tea was provided. The company separated soon after five, having spent a very pleasant afternoon. ST. MARY'S CONVENT HIGH SCHOOLS. The annual exhibition and distribution of prizes took place at St. Mary's Convent High School, Pousonby. in presence of a large and fashionable audience. Father Purton, 0.5.8., apologised for the absence of His Lordship Dr. Luck, which was unavoidable. The Mayor of Auckland, Mr. J. J. Holland, presided. The address was read by Miss G. Haven, after which the Mayor spoke at some length on the subject of education, and expressed himself highly pleased with all be saw and heard. The Rev. Father Madden returned thanks (on behalf of the Sisters) to the Mayor ami Mrs. Holland for their presence, and congratulated the former on his re-election to the office of Mayor. There wcro some excellent specimens of fancy work, point lace handkerchiefs, pencil drawings, and oil paintings. The quartetts, duos, aud trios, were rendered with brilliancy and precision, and the choruses by the pupils were very much admired. Miss M. Johnston sang tho " Ave Maria" by Millard in a very effective manner. On the whole the Sisters may congratulate themselves upon the result of the year's labour. One pupil, Miss A. Ruthren, passed the junior :ivil service examination,and several passed the Trinity College Loudon music examination. The proceedings terminated with the National Anthem, j The following was the programme :—Quar-1 tette on two pianos, "Caliph of Bagdad" (Boildieu), Misses Whitsted, Ruthvon, Jones, Johnston ; address, Miss C. Haven; chorus from "May Festival;" trio, " Les Trnis Soeurs" (Czerny), Misses Brown (3), Lynch, S. Brown, Kenealy; vocal duet, " The Lily and Rose," Misses Brown (3), Lynch, L. Brown ; duet, " Let the Hills Resound" (Sinallwood), Misses Brown (3), S. Brown, Mahony, E. Brown, Lynch, Kenealy; vocal solo, "Ave Maria "(Millard), Mis* Johnston; quartette, "Sonata (Weber), Misses Ruthven, Haven, Stichbury, Johnston; vocal solo, "The Bend of the River" (Blumenthal). Miss Johnston; duet, "Zinga" (Theo. Bonheur), Misses Carter ('2), Hickson, Fouglmy, Haven, Stichbury, Jones, Johnston. PRIZE LISP. Standard VII.: Misses Ruthven, composition, science, and Frenbh; F. McCibe, French, geograph? and grammar; Foughey, arithmetic and algebra; A. Bryant, science and arithmetic; K. Casey, application; lljwbottoni, general improvement. Standard VI.: Misses Johnston. French, composition anil history; Stltchbury, conduct and arithmetic ; Jones, French, geography and reading ; C. Haven, Grammar and French ; A. Court, geography and algebra ; J. Sheath, general improvement. Standard V.: Misses M. llickson, reading and recitation ; Median, arithmetic and composition ; A. Kearney, writing and geography ; M. Dyson, conduct and grammar; M. Lantgan, general improvement; A. I.anigan, geography ; Evans, application ; Darnher, general improvement. Standard IV.: Misses M. Fallon, conduct and writing ; J. llickson, arithmetic ; It. Hastie. grammar and analysis, Standard III.: MiHs»s;Miimie Brown,geography and writing; Matilda Brown, grammar and composition ; K. Lanigan, arithmetic; Margaret Tole, conduct and writing; V. Meelian, (i. Mangaii, 11. Hrodie, E. shine, general improvement; Master (i. Ralph, reading. Standard 11.: MissesX.MUioney, conduct and geography; Ella Brown, application; Ellen Brown, composition and reading ; J. Kenealv, writinx and arithmetic ; L. Brown, arithmetic and spelling; M. Haven, reading and recitation; M. Ralph, writing; A. Tile, general improvement. Standard I.: Mui Aileen Kenealy, arithmetic ml writing ; Misters Willie lUlpli, arithmetic ; James Lanigan, reading; George Brown, conduct and spelling; Dillon Brown, general improvement. Primer: Misses K. Meelian, writing ; lluett, read ing; A. Ralph, tables; W. Comiskey, conduct and spelling; Q. Sliephitd, arithmetic; S. Jenkins and M. Jenkins, general improvement Extra Prizes :->tandird VII.; Misses Ruthven. conduct and French and music ; F. McC.tbe, music ; Fuughry, singing ; Bryant, conduct and French. Stand ir.l VI. : Misses Jones, religions knowledge ; Stitchbiirv, music; Johnston, smiting; A. Court and Stitchbury, drawing ami French; Jones, music ; stilchMiry, fancy work ; O. Haven, music ; Johnston, conduct and French; 0. Haven, French. Standard V. ; Miss Median, religious knowledge. Standard IV, : Misses Tina Hickson, religious knowledge; M. l'allon, drawing; M. Fillnn, music, standard 111. : Misses Matilda Brown, religious knowledge ; Minnie Brown, music and fancy work ; Matilda Brown, music. Standard II.: Misses F.11.a Brown, religious knowledge; Ellen Brown, fancy work and music; L. Brown, singing; N'. Mali my, music; J. Kenealy, music. Standard 1.. Master 0. Brown, religious knowledge.

LIST OK EXHIBITS. Stand ird VII.: Misses Kuthven, point lace handkerchief: Foughey, piece of poiut ive, two pillowslip* in Mnuntmellick ; lirvant, cushion, twc pillow, slips worked in Mounhnellick, antimacassar; Carter, cushion, design sunflowers in anplioii» and rich foliage in arasene, point lace handkerchief Mountmellick work; McCibe, point lace collar; How, in iroon hrjckft worked in arasene, piece of point lac?; Cisey, point lice handkerchief, pillow. shiuinMoiMtinellick.antlniacmir. .Standard VI.: Mimes S'.itchbury, table cover, design Nile lilies with rich foliage, green plush cushion, three pillowslips worked in Mountmellick; McCreedy, green plush cushion worked in applique and arasene; Johnston, point lace handkerchief, iiicht dress c isn ; Sheath, point lace handkerchief; Court, pillow slip in Mountmellick and point luce handkerchief; M. Curler, pair of marone velvet slippers, design wild roses with pretty foliige worked in crewel silks; Jones, point luce handkerchief; Haven, two nightdress bigs, point lace. Standard V.: Misses Dyson, inarone plush cushion, design sun (lowers worked on applique with rich foliage in arasene, one nightdress bag : Kearney, two pretty chair backs worked in applique ; Kvaiis, cushion, with waterlilir* and protty foliage, two pillowslips worked in Moiintmellick, tray cloth, and set of tints; Meehan, antimacassar, blue plush and white lilies, i' pretty bats. Standard IV. Misses Hasfcie, gre-n plu«b cushion with sunflowers in applique and arasene, pillow shams worked in Momitniellick, tray cloth and bracket; Fallon, Mountmellick work; Grey, set of mats. Standard 111. : Misses Shine, cushion, green plush, design foxgloves, in applique and arasene, two sets of mats; Brown, cushion, maroon plush and white flowers, two cloth brackets, nicely worked three pillow slips in Mountmellick, two bags; M. Brown, cosy, worked with silks; Itrovlie, cushion, in aranene and applique; Lynch, tray cloth ;N. Median, mats; Mailman and li. Unigan, sets of nuts. Stmdird II.: Misses 1,. itronn. three tray cloths, set of mats: M. Haven, sot of mats; E. lirown, four tray cloths, sachet; Ella Brown, sot of mats; Mahoney, tray cloth ; Kenealy, set of mats, tray cloth ; Eileen Tole, mats : Huett, mats ; Alleen Kenealy, mats. LIST 01' DRAWINGS AND PAINTINGS. Misses Agnes Iluthveu, Oberholfein; Fonehoy, landscape; Casey, iris and motto; G. Casey, mirror i»ivsns and water lilies), roses and panties; Florence McCab-, pencil sketch (dop, after l.andseor); A. Court, woodcutter's home ; Dickson, opal mirror; Marie Fillon, Caernarvon Castle; Minnie Brown, pencil sketch; Matilda Brown, Lake lirienz in Switzerland.

rONSON'BY GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL At the Ponsonby Girls' High School, of which Mrs. Warington is principal, Mrs. Cowie, wife of the Primale of Now Zealand, presented the prizes on Wednesday evening, 111 the presence of a fair attendance of the pupils and their parents and friends. There were two conduct prizes—the first, given by Mrs. Cowie herself, was awarded to Mildred Scott, and the second to Dorothy Metcalfe. The other awards were Painting, Lily Raynes, Ist; drawing, French, etc., Marion Metcalfe; general improvement, Marv Mace; reading and arithmetic, Maud Raynes; youngest child in school (for general improvement), Phyllis Metcalfe. A very pleasant evening was passed, and the parents before separating congratulated Mrs, Warrington on the success of the school.

At the Ellerslitt Public School yesterday afternoon, prior to closing for the Christmas holidays, an exhibition of children's work and prizes (for presentation) was held. The chairman of committee, Mr. Nolan, Mr. Wardoll, and a large number of the parents were present, and all seemed pleased with the progress shown. Much credit is due to Mr. Lrtllington, the head teacher, and the staff. Tea and refreshments were provided. The new Bchoolhuusu is an excellent one, and possesses all the latest improvements. The books and cards aro to be presented to the children to-day. The children of the Parnell Orphan Home, numbering 67, accompanied by Mrs. Barrauce and staff, left yesterday morning for Motutapti to camp out for the holidays, by kind invitation of Messrs. Reid Brothers. The Board of Management are much indebted to the Hon. the Defence Minister, for the use of tents; to the Devonport Ferry Company, who kindly provided a special steamer: to Messrs. W. and G. Winstone, for waggons ; and to Mr. James Martin, of Parnell, for 'buses to convey the children to the wharf. Contributions of fruit, etc., for the Christmas festivities, will bo thankfully received by the I,on. secretary, Mr. J. B. Gillillan, Fort-street, Auckand. The Scripture Gift Association schools, nineteen in number, held their annual breaking up—with one exception, that of Symondsstreet school—yesterday. At the majority of the celebrutions numerous friends anu visitors were present, and expressed their satisfaction at the general good order and manners prevalent; as also in tho varied portions of Holy Scripture, which were correctly recited by the whole of the children present. Owing to the Bible knowledge obtained, the caref ulflew in morals Rod Miners, and the psiua-

taking instruction imparted, it seems quite evident that these scHools are becoming increasingly appreciated by parents. The attendance has been larger this year than in any previous one. At each school New Testaments and other suitable books, with dolls, bats, etc., were awarded as prizes to the older scholars, while a small gift of some sort was carried away by each younger one. Singing, recitations, action pieces, etc., filled up an agreeable hour or more at every school. _ The annual entertainment in aid of the picnic funds of the Newmarket public school, was held at the Newmarket Hall, last evening. There was a large attendance of the parents and friends of the school children present, and the several items contributed by the. juveniles met with well-deserved approval, the features of the entertainment were the tableaux, arranged by the lady tcachers connected with the school, and the repetition of ! the. " musical drill," which met with such success last year. The vocal items and pianofotte solos mid duets were also much appreciated, and reflect great credit on the children. Mr. Bruford, the head master, and his assistants, are to be complimented on the thorough and efficient manner in which the details were carried out. The annual picnic held in connection with the Remuera public school took place yesterday at Motutupu, when there was a large gathering of scholars and friends. The island was reached at about eleven, and during the day the teachers got up races for the boys aud girls, which were contested with great enthusiasm. Various games and other amusements also helped to while away a very pleasant holiday. A hand accompanied the party I and enlivened proceedings not a little. Home was reached again shortly after seven.